Lyrics

Kundiman 1800

Verse

Irog sandaling dinggin ang aking pagtangis Irog sandaling tunghan ang humihibik Kung ‘di man nararapat sa iyong dikit

Isang sulyap mo lamang, Aliw na ng dibdib.

Chorus:

Kung saki’y wala nang inilaang paglingap At ang pagdurusa ko ang siya mong pangarap

Sa isang ngiti mong sa aki’y igawad Libo mang kamatayan aking tinatanggap.

Kung Hindi Man was a piece composed in 1920 by Nicanor Abelardo. Its genre is called a “kundiman.” Kung Hindi Man has been used as themes in music performances and shows on stage held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and University of the Philippines. Originally, the piece was written in the key of G minor for part A then modulated to G major in part B. In this arrangement, only part B is included, and it is in the key of C major.

Kundiman is taken from “kung hindi man,” a genre of traditional Filipino love songs. Young men sing the kundiman to express love and admiration for ladies through serenading in rural areas of the country. The lyrics and message of kundiman compositions were usually about love and sadness. Aside from Abelardo, another remarkable composer of kundiman music is Francisco Santiago. Santiago is known as the “Father of Kundiman Art Song.” Both have been known for their contribution of Kundiman songs.

This piece by Nicanor Abelardo has a variety of arrangements by other composers such as for piano accompaniment and voice, piano accompaniment and violin, and for the himig kawayan ensemble.

A. MATERIALS

Audio tracks – Scan QR code on the right

Sheet music – Kundiman 1800 arrangement by Genaro Cesar Edilo Jr.

B. GUIDE TO THE PIECE

The arrangement has only 1 part (A). The gabbang/marimba plays the melody all throughout the piece. On the other hand, the angklung and guitar play the accompaniment while the bumbong serves as the bass. Most of the rhythmic patterns are repeating and simple.

Measures 1 to 8 are the first half of the song, and the next 8 measures are the second half. The piece will go back to measure no. 2 after the first ending, which is in measure no.17. Then from measure 2, play the piece until measure no. 16. This time, the ensemble must skip measure no. 17 and go straight to measure no.18 (ending).

Alwin Reamillo’s Nicanor Abelardo Grand Piano Project.” Accesed March 2022. http:// www.agimat.net/music/e081209.htm.

“Doodling Some Thoughts.” Accesed March 2022. https://irarenas.wordpress. com/2020/10/15/entry-133/.

“Make Way for CCP’s Virtual Musical Show ‘Kung Hindi Man.’ Accesed March 2022, https://mb.com.ph/2021/09/27/make-way-for-ccps-virtual-musical-show-kung-hin- di-man/.